How to create creamy roasted garlic and tomato pasta

How to Create Creamy Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta

Do you love pasta? If you’re searching for a simple yet delicious dish to impress your family or friends, creamy roasted garlic and tomato pasta should be on your list. This recipe offers a cozy, rich flavor with a touch of sweetness from roasted garlic and tomatoes. Best of all, it’s easy to make with basic ingredients found in your kitchen! In this blog, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of creating this mouthwatering pasta dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 250g of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
• 2 heads of garlic
• 200g cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes, chopped into small chunks)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or any similar cheese)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pinch of red chili flakes (optional for extra spice)

Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Tomatoes

The magic of this recipe comes from the roasted garlic and tomatoes. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, making everything taste better.

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Take two heads of garlic and carefully chop off the top to expose the cloves. Place the garlic heads on a small piece of aluminum foil, drizzle them with olive oil, and wrap them up. This keeps the garlic moist while roasting.
3. For the tomatoes, place cherry tomatoes (or chopped regular tomatoes) on a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil on them and sprinkle a little salt and pepper.
4. Put both the garlic (wrapped in foil) and tomatoes into the oven. Roast for 30-35 minutes. The garlic should turn soft and fragrant, while the tomatoes will burst and caramelize.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the garlic and tomatoes are roasting, it’s time to cook your pasta.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Salt makes your pasta tastier while it cooks.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and follow the cooking time on the package (usually around 8-10 minutes).
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Keep a small cup of the pasta water – you might use it later to make the sauce creamier.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now comes the heart of the dish – the rich and creamy sauce.

1. Remove the roasted garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the soft cloves out of the garlic skin and mash them into a paste using a fork.
2. Heat a large pan on medium heat and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the mashed garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds, just enough to release its aroma.
3. Add the roasted tomatoes to the pan, gently pressing them down with a spoon to release their juices. Stir everything together for another minute.
4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and mix well. The roasted garlic and tomato juices will combine with the cream to create a beautiful orangey sauce.
5. Add ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
6. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red chili flakes for an extra kick.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

With the sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss it gently until the pasta is coated in the creamy, flavorful goodness.
2. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
3. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

You’re almost done! Let’s give your creamy roasted garlic and tomato pasta a polished finish.

1. Plate the pasta and top it with freshly chopped basil leaves. The basil adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
2. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for that cheesy goodness.
3. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite with your favorite people!

Pro Tips

• Customize Your Dish: If you want to add protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon would pair wonderfully with this pasta.
• Use Whole Garlic Heads for More Flavor: If you’re a garlic lover, add an extra head of roasted garlic to intensify the flavor.
• Save Time: If you’re in a hurry, you can skip roasting the garlic and tomatoes, but roasting truly makes the dish special.

Conclusion

Creamy roasted garlic and tomato pasta is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With the fresh taste of roasted vegetables and the comforting texture of cream and cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a joy to make – roasting, stirring, and tossing come together in harmony to create something truly satisfying. Give it a try today, and let us know how your pasta adventure turns out!